§ Mr. MORRELLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a question of which I have given him private notice, whether he has yet received particulars of the proceedings at the trial of Miss Malecka last week, whether any definite act of conspiracy was charged 800 against her, or whether it was merely on account of the opinions that she was alleged to hold and her association with members of an illegal society, that she has been condemned to four years' penal servitude; and whether, in view of the fact that she is by English law a British subject, that she was born and brought up as an Englishwoman, and entered Russia with a British passport, His Majesty's Government will take any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. ACLANDAs we have not yet received a full report of the trial, I cannot give any answer to my hon. Friend's question at present. As to the action taken, we have already inquired with regard to Miss Malecka's right of appeal, and are advised that an appeal lies to a higher court.
§ Mr. MORRELLCan my right hon. Friend tell me, if Miss Malecka does appeal will His Majesty's Government be prepared to ask that bail should again be allowed?
§ Mr. ACLANDI think we had better consider that when we hear whether Miss Malecka wishes to appeal or not.
§ Mr. MORRELLWhen will the Report be received?
§ Mr. ACLANDAs my hon. Friend is aware we received of the first part of the trial a very full report from our vice-consul, and we expect to receive a similar full report from him with regard to the last part of the trial, which no doubt is at present in transit in the post. I cannot say exactly when it will be received.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEWill the Undersecretary cause instructions to be telegraphed to Russia to-day, with a view of securing this lady's release on bail pending her appeal?
§ Mr. ACLANDWe cannot consider that until we know whether she intends to appeal or not.
§ Sir W. BYLESHow will the House know when the report comes, and how soon shall we be able to ask further questions?
§ Mr. ACLANDI will inform my hon. Friend who asked me this question when we receive the report.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask if the Russian Government have intervened when Russian subjects, have been on trial here?
§ Mr. MORRELLIs it a fact that in the indictment Miss Malecka is described as a British subject?
§ Mr. ACLANDI believe that is so.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask for an answer to my question, since the Russian Government claims this lady as their subject?